Can you feel it? Spring is coming! - lensi designs Photography

Ranunculus

I don’t know about you but here in Connecticut we really haven’t had winter so we are all eagerly anticipating an end to this dreariness and excited to welcome spring in just a few short weeks! I am going to be creating new gardens this spring in my new house so I will keep you posted on my progress once it starts. Of course, I have a lot to do to prep the soil and get the beds planned and prepared. I am giving in this time and hiring some manual labor!

Spring is defined as “the early part or first stage of something”. So as we move into spring take the time to see where you have been and where you want to go. There is never a better time than the present to start something. You cannot succeed if you don’t try!

While you are perusing your catalogs and planning what to add or replace in your garden I thought I would entice you with a few spring flowering trees, shrubs and bulbs!

One of the very first trees to bloom is the Magnolia (see Magnolia x soulangeana ‘Alexandrina’ saucer magnolia above) hopefully we can get some gentle spring weather so those fragrant blossoms last awhile.

Magnolia x soulangeana ‘Alexandrina’ saucer magnolia

The Hellebores are already peeking their heads up. I think they have been as confused as we have been. First cold, then warm, then cold- too confusing! Come up or stay in hibernation!

Helleborous x hybridus lenten rose

Helleborus x ericsmithii ‘HGC Silvermoon’

One of my favorite shrubs is Spirea thunbergii Mellow Yellow ‘Ogon’. A fine shrub which prospers in most any environment. It still has its leaves late into the fall. Typically zones 4-8; sun to part shade. As you can see below it starts out in the spring with these tiny white flowers on lovely bare, arching branches and then the leaves appear and remain the richest gold throughout the season. I also am partial to Spirea japonica ‘Anthony Waterer’ and ‘Gold Mound’.

Spirea thunbergii ‘Ogon’

Spirea japonica ‘Goldflame’

Spring brings us some of the most delightful flowers. Try something new this season. A great way to see how plants will work in the landscape is to visit public gardens like the NY Botanical Garden, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, or the Berkshire Botanical Garden to name a few. See what other plants they like to keep company with and how large they really get. When you get plants at the garden center remember it typically takes about 3 years to get to a full size. Make sure to leave enough room.

Anemone pulsatilla ‘Papageno’ Pasque flower

Of course we mustn’t forget the flowering Cherry, Apricot and Apple trees to follow. Even just planting one in your yard will make you look forward to the new beginnings that spring can offer.